Pathways & Partnerships Manager

To Apply: Send resume/cover letter to ***email_hidden***, with the subject line "Pathways & Partnerships Manager, Your Name.”

Department: Programs

Reports To: Executive Director

Status: Full-time, exempt

Location: Hybrid (Approx. 70% in-office, 30% remote)

Compensation: $60,000–$70,000 annually + benefits, based on experience

Schedule: Occasional evenings/weekends required

Role Summary

The Pathways & Partnerships Manager is a mission-driven, strategic, and collaborative professional responsible for designing, implementing, and expanding career-connected learning, college access, and workforce development opportunities for Lowell students. This role serves as the primary lead for Project LEARN's pathways portfolio, working closely with school district leaders, higher education institutions, employers, community organizations, and funders to create high-quality, equitable educational and career experiences.

The Pathways & Partnerships Manager oversees the development, implementation, and evaluation of pathway programs while cultivating and stewarding strategic partnerships that support student success. This role requires a balance of strategic thinking and hands-on program management, with responsibility for partnership development, program operations, grant support, and team leadership.

Core Responsibilities1. Program Leadership & Development (40%)

• Develop and implement an annual pathways program plan and calendar in collaboration with the Executive Director and program team.
• Design, manage, and continuously improve career-connected learning, college access, and workforce development initiatives aligned with organizational goals and community needs.
• Plan and facilitate student workshops, career exploration experiences, site visits, internships, mentorship opportunities, and other pathway activities.
• Identify opportunities to expand or strengthen existing programs and develop new initiatives responsive to student, employer, and community needs.
• Ensure programs are inclusive, accessible, and responsive to the diverse needs of Lowell students.
• Develop systems and processes that support program quality, sustainability, and growth.

2. Partnership Development & Stewardship (25%)

• Build, maintain, and strengthen strategic partnerships with employers, higher education institutions, school district leaders, workforce organizations, community partners, and public agencies.
• Serve as the point of contact for pathway-related partnerships and collaborative initiatives.
• Cultivate employer participation in internships, externships, mentorship programs, career panels, workplace visits, and experiential learning opportunities.
• Represent Project LEARN in external meetings, coalitions, advisory groups, and community events.
• Develop partnership agreements, coordinate deliverables, and maintain strong communication with partners to ensure successful collaboration and long-term engagement.

3. Program Operations, Data & Grant Support (20%)

• Maintain program calendars, implementation timelines, and operational systems to ensure effective program delivery.
• Collect, analyze, and report program outcomes, participation data, and impact metrics.
• Develop evaluation tools, surveys, and reporting processes to measure student outcomes and program effectiveness.
• Support grant development by contributing program narratives, strategic priorities, outcomes data, and sustainability plans.
• Collaborate with the Executive Director and development staff on grant reporting, program evaluation, and impact storytelling.
• Ensure accurate documentation, reporting, and compliance with grant and partnership requirements.

4. Team Leadership & Organizational Collaboration (15%)

• Provide supervision, coaching, and professional development support to pathway staff, interns, and seasonal team members as assigned.
• Foster strong collaboration across Project LEARN's program, operations, and development teams.
• Participate in organizational planning, strategic initiatives, and cross-functional projects.
• Support a culture of innovation, accountability, equity, and continuous improvement.

Skills & Competencies

• Strong project management and organizational skills with exceptional attention to detail.
• Excellent relationship-building, facilitation, and stakeholder engagement skills.
• Ability to think strategically while managing day-to-day program implementation.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills.
• Experience presenting to diverse audiences, including students, educators, employers, and community leaders.
• Demonstrated ability to manage multiple priorities and adapt in a fast-paced environment.
• Commitment to educational equity, youth development, and measurable impact.
• Entrepreneurial mindset with a collaborative and solutions-oriented approach.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in education, nonprofit management, public administration, communications, or a related field required.
• Minimum of 3–5 years of experience in program management, partnership development, education, workforce development, or nonprofit leadership.
• Experience working with schools, employers, higher education institutions, and/or community-based organizations strongly preferred.
• Experience with grant reporting, program evaluation, and outcomes measurement preferred.
• Experience supervising staff, interns, or volunteers preferred.
• Bilingual skills are a plus.